A fast and fun EV that's practical for the family too
By Tace Clifford
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The fully electric 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron 55 Quattro is a luxury five-seater SUV, which, as the name suggests, is quite similar to the Audi E-Tron Sportback 55 I previously reviewed. This updated version shares a Q8 badge with a big petrol or diesel SUV from Audi, but it is otherwise the familiar E-Tron, just with several upgrades and improvements. Compared to the E-Tron Sportback I tried before, this one has a more traditional SUV shape at the back (there is still the Sportback available too), so we'll see if this makes rear headroom and boot space more practical for families? Let's jump in and see how the 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron fares as a BabyDrive and put it through our family car testing with child seats and Thule prams…
BabyDrive Verdict
This is the 2024 Audi Q8 55 E-Tron S Quattro; it has a battery range of 454km and costs around $153,984. This model has been superseded by the 2024 Audi Q8 50 E-Tron Quattro, a slightly cheaper model costing $140,600 with a slightly smaller battery, but this model will be the same in terms of interior practicality for families. Then there is the Q8 E-Tron Sportback 55 Quattro (equivalent to the pre-update model I tested before), which costs $165,984. Then there's the powerful and sportier SQ8 E-Tron which will also have the same interior family practicality as this model costing $172,984 and the top-spec SQ8 Sportback e-tron costs $179,984.
The exterior of this Audi Q8 55 e-Tron S Quattro looks sporty, fast and modern and the interior is modern and minimal in feel.
The front seats have a sporty shape to them, with diamond-quilted panels and the thin steering wheel adds to the fast and comfortable feel when driving.
The quilted diamond panels extend to the rear seats, too, which are also very comfortable for passengers travelling in the back.
When it comes to installing child seats in the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro, there are ISOFix points in both outer rear seats. They are within plastic guides and are nice and easy to connect to.
All three rear seats have top tether anchorages in the back of the rear seatbacks and are easily accessible through the boot.
I could fit three Infasecure child seats in the rear seats of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro. The sides of the vehicle are quite sculpted, so it is a little tight at the shoulders to fit three across, but I could do it. The e-tron Sportback I previously tested will also fit three child seats across the rear seats.
Legroom is a little tight in this Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro, and we could fit a 175cm driver in front of a rear-facing child seat or taller front passengers in front of the forward-facing child seats.
The Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro has air conditioning vents in the back of the central console box, so rear passengers can be kept at a comfortable temperature while driving. There are also USB-C sockets and 12V for charging devices while driving.
Rear passengers have good storage in the Q8 e-tron. Cup holders in a fold-down armrest in the central seat back will hold a reusable or disposable coffee cup or a child's drink cup and storage for a phone.
There are net map pockets on the back of both front seats and a tray for a phone in the back of the central console box.
The rear door bins will fit a refillable water bottle.
Storage is good in the front, too. The central console box has two cup holders inside it that will hold a reusable or disposable coffee cup. Beside them is a wireless phone charging slot and a 12V and two USB-C sockets for charging devices.
The central console box is very small, but it's lined, so keys won't rattle while driving.
The glove box will fit a wallet and iPad with the manual, it's also lined so nothing rattles while driving.
The front door bins will hold a refillable water bottle, a wallet and an iPad.
There is no glasses case in the ceiling but there are lit mirrors in both front visors.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's boot is practical for family life. The boot floor is nice and flat for an emergency nappy change…
… Or to comfortably carry a medium-sized family dog.
Underneath the boot floor is a space saver spare tyre and a little plastic storage area for your charging leads.
When empty, the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's boot space holds fifteen shopping bags, which is the same as the boot of the Q8 e-tron Sportback.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat…
…will fit in the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro boot with seven shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with two sibling seats…
…will fit in the boot of the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro with six shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat and bassinet beside it…
will fit in the boot of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro with no shopping bags
… with the back wheels on, it will fit in the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro boot with six shopping bags.
The Thule Spring, lightweight and one-handed folding stroller…
… fits in the boot of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro with ten shopping bags.
The Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's boot can also accommodate two 90L and two 40L Thule Chasm duffle bags.
There are individual rear child lock buttons in the driver's door control panel for locking the rear doors and windows so little passengers can't fiddle with them.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's media system is split across two screens, and it's lovely, modern, and easy to use.
It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily access your phone's music, podcast, navigation, and messaging apps while driving. The climate controls are on the dash below the media screen and air vents, so they are also easily accessible while driving.
You can keep an eye on your battery range on the charging screen.
The media system has some great features, such as the weather forecast.
You can adjust the sound easily, which is great for families with noise-sensitive kids.
When you put the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro in reverse, the camera images are lovely and clear and fill the lovely large screen.
Multiple viewing angles are available, including a 360-degree 3D view. The bottom left of the screen allows you to easily turn the parking sensor sound off and on.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro is a quiet and smooth luxurious car to drive that feels solid and grounded on the road. You are well cocooned from exterior noise, and being fully electric, you have the benefits of sitting with the air-con running while your kid sleeps in the back without worrying about churning through fuel or reducing air quality around your vehicle.
Visibility is very good, and the turning circle is, too, so parking and maneuvering the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro is easy, especially with the great cameras.
Overall, the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro makes a very enjoyable and practical family BabyDrive for those looking at luxury electric family cars. Three child seats fit in the back seats, and the boot can hold the Thule Urban Glide 3 pram and a weekly shop!
The Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro has a five-star ANCAP crash test rating for models built from September 2023 onwards. It scored 88% for child occupancy and 91% for adult occupancy.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro has six airbags as standard
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting airbags and side head-protecting (curtain) airbags for the front and second rows.
BabyDrive Indepth
BabyDrive Indepth - Storage
How big is the boot of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro?
The Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's boot is practical for family life. There is netted-off storage on both sides behind the wheel arches, and the boot floor is nice and flat for an emergency nappy change…
… Or to comfortably carry a medium-sized family dog.
Underneath the boot floor is a space saver spare tyre and a little plastic storage area for your charging leads.
When empty, the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's boot space holds fifteen shopping bags, the same as the boot of the Q8 e-tron Sportback.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat…
…will fit in the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro boot with seven shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with two sibling seats…
…will fit in the boot of the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro with six shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat and bassinet beside it…
will fit in the boot of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro with no shopping bags
… with the back wheels on, it will fit in the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro boot with six shopping bags.
The Thule Spring, lightweight and one-handed folding stroller…
… fits in the boot of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro with ten shopping bags.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's boot can also accommodate two 90L and two 40L Thule Chasm duffle bags.
How good is storage in the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro?
Storage in the front of the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro is practical for families. The central console box has two cup holders inside it that will hold a reusable or disposable coffee cup. Beside them is a wireless phone charging slot and a 12V and two USB-C sockets for charging devices.
The central console box is very small, but it's lined, so keys won't rattle while driving.
The glove box will fit a wallet and iPad with the manual, it's also lined so nothing rattles while driving.
The front door bins will hold a refillable water bottle, a wallet and an iPad.
There is no glasses case in the ceiling but there are lit mirrors in both front visors.
Rear passengers have good storage, too, in the Q8 e-tron. Cup holders in a fold-down armrest in the central seat back will hold a reusable or disposable coffee cup or a child's drink cup and storage for a phone.
There are net map pockets on the back of both front seats and a tray for a phone in the back of the central console box.
The rear door bins will fit a refillable water bottle.
BabyDrive Indepth - Noise
How noisy is the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro, and how easy is the media screen to use?
The Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro is a lovely, smooth, and electric SUV to drive. As a luxury vehicle, it also cocoones you from any outside road or wind noise while driving.
There are individual rear child lock buttons in the driver's door control panel for locking the rear doors and windows so little passengers can't fiddle with them. It is a great feature to have individual rear child locks, so if you only have a young child on one side of the car, you only have to put that side on.
The media system in the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro is split across two screens, and it's lovely, modern and easy to use.
It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily access your phone's music, podcast, navigation, and messaging apps while driving. The climate controls are on the dash below the media screen and air vents, so they are also easily accessible while driving.
You can keep an eye on your battery range on the charging screen.
The media system has some great features, such as the weather forecast.
You can also adjust the sound easily, which is great for families with noise-sensitive kids.
When you put the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro in reverse, the camera images are lovely and clear and fill the lovely large screen.
Multiple viewing angles are available, including a 360-degree 3D view. The bottom left of the screen allows you to easily turn the parking sensor sound off and on.
The Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro is a nice car to drive with your family onboard. You are nicely cocooned from the outside road and wind noise, especially for motorway driving, and the steering feels nice and light with a tight turning circle while still feeling solid on the road. The 454km battery range is good for weekly family life. It's plenty for our daily local school drop-offs, driving around town and sitting while your little one naps in the car with the aircon running but not polluting the immediate environment around you.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro's indicator sound is not too loud, so it did not disturb my kids while they were sleeping in the back.
The doors and windows are not baby-waking to close either.
Becoming a parent I soon realised there are some noises and sounds I feel are unnecessary and I could happily live without if it meant my baby stayed asleep!!
That often the distraction of my screaming, distressed baby is more dangerous when driving than not having a lane departure warning for example.
If it is the lane departure warning beeping that creates distress with my baby then which is safest?
It’s where I think we need to be able to strike a balance and choose when we can mute the warnings or swap them to a vibration in the steering wheel or flashing light perhaps?
A lot of these noises come with the increase in technology and especially linked to safety features and alerts. For me these all have their place.
Another thing I have realised is I spend my time in a lot more places where small children roam, parks, beaches, play gyms, swimming lessons, daycare centre etc. I have become more aware that when I’m reversing or manouvering in the car parks I have to tripple check for small children running around behind me or being in my blind spot when reversing. For this I LOVE reversing cameras, I just don’t like their beeping sounds!!
I have become so much more aware of safety and potential accidents or hazards since having a child and so I love the peace of mind that I get from the cameras and sensors combined with my own vision from windows and mirrors as I don’t trust cameras alone.
BabyDrive Indepth - Car Seats
How many child/baby seats can you fit in the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro?
When it comes to installing child seats in the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro, there are ISOFix points in both outer rear seats. They are within plastic guides and are nice and easy to connect to.
All three rear seatbacks have top tether anchorages, which are clearly labelled in the back of the rear seatbacks and easily accessible through the boot.
I could fit three Infasecure child seats in the rear seats of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro. The sides of the vehicle are quite sculpted, so it is a little tight at the shoulders to fit three across, but I could do it. The Q8 e-tron Sportback I previously tested will also fit three child seats across the rear seats.
Legroom is a little tight in this Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro, and we could fit a 175cm driver in front of a rear-facing child seat or taller front passengers in front of the forward-facing child seats.
When inserting Bub into their child's seat from outside the car, there is plenty of access space for you to lean in and do up their harness. It's easier than the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback due to that model's sleeker, lower rear roof shape. There is room to feed Bub in the back if only one child seat is installed.
Australia being a country of weather extremes- blazing sun and torrential rain, mean you may find it easier to put Bub into their seat from inside the car sometimes. If it’s hot you can get the air-con going, cool the car down and not stand out in the sun while you fasten them in or shelter from the rain and not get soaked yourself whilst you’re doing it. So it is important to test whether Bub can be easily installed from either direction!
BabyDrive Indepth - Drive & Comfort
How comfy is the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro?
The Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro has air conditioning vents in the back of the central console box, so rear passengers can be kept at a comfortable temperature while driving. There are also USB-C sockets and 12V for charging devices while driving.
The rear seats are also very comfortable for passengers who are not in child seats. They have quilted leather central panels in the model I tested.
The front seats are also quilted the same and are super comfortable.
There are four air-conditioning vents across the front of the dashboard, two above the media screens and one at each end of the dashboard.
The air-con controls are on the bottom media screen and are easily adjusted while driving.
Visibility varies out of the back of the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro depending on the height of your central child seat on board, but it is better than that of the Sportback model.
Excellent cameras in the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro compensate if you have tall child seats and help with maneuvering and parking.
One thing I have noticed since being a mum is I hate it when I reach a destination or get home from being out and Bub has either done really well in the car or she is screaming her head off and I have done really well to keep it together for the entire journey (usually the latter!!) and it takes 10 minutes to park the car! It can be really stressful. I found the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro easy to park.
In testing, it scored 88% for child occupancy protection and 91% for adult occupancy protection.
In the child occupancy crash testing, ANCAP wrote:
In the frontal offset test, protection of the neck of the 10 year dummy was ADEQUATE, while the protection offered to all other critical body regions was GOOD.
In the side impact test, protection of all critical body areas was GOOD for both child dummies.
Installation of typical child restraints available in Australia and New Zealand showed most child restraints could be accommodated in most rear seating positions, though the Type A capsule could not be correctly installed in the centre rear position.
The Audi e-tron is fitted with lower ISOFix anchorages on the rear outboard seats and top tether anchorages for all rear seating positions.
Six airbags come as standard in the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro; there are dual frontal airbags and front side airbags and side head curtain airbags for the front and both rear rows side passengers.
Adaptive headlights are an optional extra in the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro.
Some of these safety features are also features that drive me crazy as a mum! Like the lane departure and forward collision alert or the parking sensor beeping sound. I want all the safety technology AND to be able to mute the sound when Bub’s asleep!
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About Tace Clifford
Tace Clifford founded BabyDrive in 2017 after discovering a huge information gap in mainstream car reviews that left new parents and expanding families in the dark when it came to one of the biggest purchasing decisions of their lives.
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